After his Paris Olympics heartbreak, Lakshya Sen struggled with motivation and form. Through mental clarity, fitness resets, and mentorship, he rebuilt his game. His Australian Open 2025 victory marks a powerful comeback, symbolising resilience and renewed joy in badminton, inspiring India’s sporting community with his determination and grit.
India’s badminton star Lakshya Sen has scripted a remarkable comeback story after enduring a painful setback at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he finished fourth and narrowly missed out on a medal. The disappointment left him struggling with motivation and form, but his recent triumph at the Australian Open 2025 has reignited hope and showcased his resilience.
Key Highlights
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Olympic heartbreak: Sen’s agonising fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics drained his confidence, leading to multiple first-round exits in subsequent tournaments.
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Mental reset: He admitted to taking a break to rediscover his love for the sport, focusing on mental clarity and blocking out external noise.
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Physical conditioning: A renewed emphasis on fitness, including advanced recovery methods and strength training, helped him regain sharpness on court.
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Mentorship and accountability: Guidance from mentors like Prakash Padukone pushed Sen to take responsibility for his career and work harder on consistency.
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Australian Open victory: In November 2025, Sen clinched the Australian Open Super 500 men’s singles title, defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka in straight sets, marking his first major win of the year.
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Symbolic comeback: The title was more than just a trophy—it represented the payoff of months of rebuilding, resilience, and rediscovering joy in badminton.
Broader Significance
Sen’s journey reflects the mental and physical challenges athletes face after Olympic setbacks. His comeback underscores the importance of sports psychology, fitness innovation, and mentorship in modern badminton. For India, his resurgence is timely, as the nation looks to strengthen its badminton presence globally ahead of the next cycle of major tournaments.
By overcoming self-doubt and embracing a holistic approach to training, Sen has proven that setbacks can be stepping stones to greater success. His story resonates not only with aspiring athletes but also with fans who witnessed his heartbreak and now celebrate his revival.
Sources: Sportstar – The Hindu, ESPN, Indian Express, Firstpost